Are you planning to visit Bhutan? Here are some things for you to take note of while preparing for your trip to Bhutan.
Tourism in Bhutan only started in 1974 when the Royal Government of Bhutan opened its door to the world. Since then, the tourism industry in Bhutan has developed dynamically and served as one of the main sources of income for Bhutan.
Important Things You Should Know Before Planning a Trip Bhutan
1) Bhutan Tourism Policy
Bhutan’s tourism policy is guided by the principle of “High Value, Low Volume,” a unique approach designed to preserve the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and pristine environment. Rather than mass tourism, Bhutan welcomes mindful travellers who are genuinely interested in exploring its traditions, landscapes, and way of life. This policy ensures that tourism remains sustainable, benefits local communities, and maintains the country’s deep sense of spiritual and ecological balance. By focusing on quality over quantity, Bhutan offers visitors an enriching and authentic experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
2) Find a reliable Bhutan tour company
To enter Bhutan, it is highly recommended to engage a reliable tour company—especially if you plan to travel beyond Thimphu and Paro. While it is no longer mandatory to use a licensed tour operator for stays limited to these two districts, guided tours remain the norm for the rest of the country due to Bhutan.
If you wish to explore Bhutan more deeply beyond Thimphu and Paro, a licensed tour operator, local guide, and driver are still required. Free-and-easy or spontaneous backpacking trips are not feasible for most parts of Bhutan.
If you engage a tour agency like Druk Asia, you’ll be able to customise your itinerary, and the consultants will provide you with the best recommendations.
3) You need to secure a Bhutan visa
Another important thing to note is that all visitors to Bhutan require a tourist visa, except for passport holders from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. The good news is that the visa process is straightforward—your tour operator will handle the application on your behalf. The Bhutan tourist visa costs USD 40 per person.
Find out more about Bhutan tourist visa application and the documents required.
Most of the tourists enter Bhutan by flight to Paro International Airport, the only international airport in the kingdom. But you can also travel to Bhutan via land through certain states in India. There are three land entries to Bhutan via the Indian borders.
Below are the three land entry points to Bhutan from India states:
Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) from Assam (India)
Phuentsholing (Bhutan) from Jaigaon (India)
Gelephu (Bhutan) from West Bengal (India)
Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines fly to Bhutan directly from various Asian countries including Singapore, Thailand, Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
Find out more about:
Travelling to Bhutan from Singapore
Travelling to Bhutan from Bangkok
Travelling to Bhutan from Kathmandu
Travelling to Bhutan from Australia
5) Cost of visiting Bhutan
One of the primary expenses is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is set at $100 per person per night—a reduction from the previous $200 fee. This fee supports Bhutan's commitment to sustainable tourism and is mandatory for all international visitors, excluding Indian nationals.
In addition to the SDF, you'll need to budget for accommodation, meals, transportation, and other activities. For a mid-range experience, expect to spend approximately $250 per person per day. This typically includes stays in 3 star hotels, daily meals, a private vehicle with a driver, and the services of a local guide. It's worth noting that these packages often cover entrance fees to major attractions, such as the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery.
6) Bhutanese love spicy food
Almost every local cuisine contains chillies in one way or another. And the locals can eat extremely spicy food. But worry not if you don’t fancy chillies. Because the Bhutanese will tone down the spice level for foreigners who cannot take hot stuff.
Aside from chillies, the Bhutanese absolutely love cheese. In fact, chilli cheese (ema datshi) is a dish that’s so well-loved, it’s deemed the national dish of Bhutan.
Learn how to cook chilli cheese (ema datshi) in your own kitchen.
Find out the must-try Bhutanese food.
7) Bhutanese can speak good English
If you are worried about communications issues in Bhutan, you can sleep well tonight knowing that Bhutanese speak fluent English. As a matter of fact, English is the medium of instruction in Bhutanese schools. The majority of Bhutanese, especially the younger generation can speak very good English. There will be little communication barrier between foreigners and the Bhutanese. If English is not your mother tongue, you may also request for tour guides who speak Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean or Japanese if you travel with Druk Asia.
If you are a language enthusiast, you may also learn some basic Dzongkha (Bhutanese language) to surprise your new friends.
8) You need to be a responsible tourist
Bhutanese have worked hard to preserve their culture and tradition over the centuries. As a tourist, there are certain behaviours that you need to observe.
When visiting religious sites such as monasteries, temples or dzongs, you should not wear revealing clothes.
Do not point at deities or statues as it’s considered disrespectful.
Remove your headgear and take off your shoes when entering a temple.
Do not take photographs inside the temples as it’s strictly prohibited.
Be respectful of the members of the royal family as the Bhutanese hold them in high esteem.
Dispose of your waste responsibly as Bhutanese have a lot of respect for their environment.
Find out more unique facts about Bhutan.
For more travel tips and recommendations, grab a copy of Bhutan Travelog from Amazon. An easy-to-read comprehensive guide about Bhutan tourism.
Have More Questions About Bhutan?
For any enquiries about Bhutan, drop us an email at hello@drukasia.com.
Let us help you prepare for a hassle-free and memorable trip to Bhutan.
Planning To Go Bhutan?
You may consider taking a 7-day essential Bhutan tour or spending 10-day to delve deeper into Bhutan. Check the best time to visit Bhutan and our tips when you’re planning a trip to Bhutan.
Don’t forget to sign-up for our regular newsletter at drukasia.com/subscribe.
